Dr Stuart Day and Mr Hung Nguyen acting co-directors of surgery at LGH

Two doctors have been appointed as acting co-directors of surgery at the Launceston General Hospital, after the departure of vascular surgeon Brian Kirkby on January 31.

The hospital surgeons met early last week to discuss who could take on the role.

A decision was made to recommend anaesthetist Stuart Day and colorectal surgeon Hung Nguyen to share the acting director role.

“Stuart is a very respected anaesthetists in Tasmania and across Australia,” LGH medical staff association chairman Dr Scott Parkes said.

“And Hung is a colorectal surgeon who is extremely respected in the state and across the country as well.

“We see this as a way for the department of surgery to move forward, and everyone can be reassured that surgery will continue.”

Tasmanian Health Service director of operations in the North and North-West Eric Daniels said the LGH was “very pleased to advise” Dr Day and Mr Nguyen had been appointed as co-directors.

“[They will act in the role] while formal recruitment processes are proceeding to fill the substantive director of surgery position recently vacated by Mr Brian Kirkby,” he said.

“Both Dr Day and Mr Nguyen have many years experience as senior consultants in the LGH department of surgery and we are looking forward to working with them and their colleagues in this very important role.”

Dr Parkes said they were two “very good appointments” to the position.

“They have the support of the department of surgery and the senior staff at the hospital,” he said.